Water Deregulation in England – What You Need to Know

Starting in April 2017, organizations in England will have more choices for water services.

What is water deregulation?

Deregulation is expected to increase choice, lower prices and enhance services for customers. Water deregulation means businesses will be able to choose which supplier they work with for their water services. While water will still continue reaching customers, the way in which they are billed will change. Licensed Providers will couple water, services and added-value offerings and sell this package to businesses.

Deregulating the market allows smaller businesses (those not consuming more than 50 ML annually) to do more than just file a complaint or withhold payment if they are unhappy with their services, like they would in a regulated market. These companies are now capable of making a change by choosing a provider known for good customer service.

What does it mean to organizations in England?

On April 1, 2017, the market will open, allowing more market entrants to deliver all retail services while the local water company will no longer bill non-domestic customers directly. That means 1.2 million non-domestic customers will be able to contact a retailer of their own choice and negotiate pricing and contractual arrangements. While 17 retailers have applied for trading licenses thus far, it is predicted that this number will double over 12 months.